Cremation is the choice for those who desire alternatives to traditional cemetery burials. For some it is a religious-based or cultural choice, for others simply a personal decision. Though cremation is often associated with scattering ashes in a location that was meaningful to a loved one, this is just one way cremated remains can be memorialized. We offer a number of different options—burial, mausoleum entombment, scattering at sea, or just providing an urn to keep the ashes where you choose—tailored toward your individual and personal decision regarding the final disposition of the remains.
Cremation Service Options
How one is remembered after their passing should mirror how they lived. Their interests, accomplishments, legacy, family, faith and more combine to represent the totality of the person. We have a variety of cremation packages designed to suit the individual and capture that essence.
*Package prices will be updated soon*
- Traditional Funeral Service with cremation to follow
- Memorial Service
- Celebration of Life
- Memorial Reception
- Graveside Urn Interment
- Direct Cremation- No ceremony
Q & A
- What is Cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments through the application of extreme heat and flame. After the process is complete, the remaining fragments are removed and processed into a coarse sand-like consistency, often referred to as ash.
- What happens after the cremation process?
Materials that are not consumed, such as metal from cremation containers and caskets, hip joints, and other inorganic material are separated and removed. Gold and silver from jewellery and dental work melt under the extreme heat and are non-recoverable; thus they remain commingled with the cremated remains. Once they have cooled, the cremated remains are placed into a temporary container or urn, selected by the family.
- How long does the cremation process take?
The length of time depends on the weight of the individual. Average-size adults take two to three hours. The cremated remains then must cool down before they are processed and placed into a temporary container or urn.
- Can I still have a funeral or viewing?
Yes. A funeral service or celebration of life with the body present can take place prior to cremation. Gathering after the death of a loved one is an essential part of the grieving process. Viewing the body prior to cremation is also possible if the family desires.
- Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes. All families are given the opportunity to be present at the crematorium when the body is placed into the cremation chamber.
- Do I need to purchase a casket?
A casket is not required for cremation. However, provincial law requires that the deceased be enclosed in a rigid container, which is cremated with the body. We offer a full range of inexpensive cremation containers.
- Do I need an urn?
It is not required. Cremated remains will be returned in a temporary container made of cardboard, at no charge to you, if an urn is not selected. We do, however, offer a full range of urns to suit your individual needs, whether it’s memorialization in a cemetery, keeping at home, or scattering. This includes biodegradable/eco-friendly urns designed for scattering. Small keepsake urns and cremation jewelry are other options that permanently honour a loved one.
- What can be done with cremated remains?
An urn is typically selected to become the permanent resting place of your loved one. The urn can then be buried in a cemetery, placed into an above ground niche or mausoleum, kept at home, or scattered. Before scattering, however, it is important to realize that the process is irreversible, and there will be no permanent place of memorialization. Permanent memorialization is often an important part of the grieving process. It offers a place to visit, to reflect on one’s heritage, and to remember a family member or friend. A good alternative is to scatter only a portion of the cremated remains.
- Can I fly with cremated remains?
Yes. When flying with cremated remains, it is important that copies of the cremation certificate and death certificate accompany the urn at all times. Security personnel at airports may ask for these documents to help them determine if the cremated remains are, in fact, cremated remains. Urns are made of different materials and thicknesses; thus some cannot be read by x-ray. These urns may not be permitted through security and will have to be checked with regular luggage. We recommend that the urn be carried on to the plane. Refer to this link for information regarding TSA requirements in the USA
- How soon can a cremation take place?
Funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoriums must abide by British Columbia laws and regulations. Therefore, a cremation cannot occur until the death is registered with vital statistics, permits are issued, and not before 48 hours have elapsed since the time of death.
- How can I be sure to receive the correct cremated remains?
We have developed a rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to minimize the potential for human error, and to maximize our level of service. Every deceased is positively identified throughout every stage of the process. Cremated remains in our care are locked 24 hours a day in a secure place.
